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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Jerebko Could Start In Rookie Challenge

Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko is representing Detroit this weekend at American Airlines Center in Dallas for Friday's T-Mobile Rookie Challenge at All-Star Weekend. Jerebko is one of only four frontcourt players on the Rookie Team, and that includes injured forward Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls, who will be limited in terms of minutes.

In all likelihood, Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors will start at the guard spots, with the Sacramento Kings' Tyreke Evans playing small forward. DeJuan Blair of the San Antonio Spurs is the only player listed as a center on the squad's roster, so he'll probably start at that position.

That leaves power forward up for grabs between Jerebko, Gibson and the Kings' Omri Casspi. It's possible Casspi could get the start as he's been the best scorer of the three this season, but he's more of a perimeter player. Jerebko has demonstrated the most versatility of the three and would have a better chance of defending the bigger players on the Sophomore Team.

The decision's not going to be a deciding factor as the Sophomores will likely dominate the much-smaller Rookie Team, but Pistons fans would get a nice treat to see Jerebko earn a starting nod. Be sure to watch tomorrow night at 9 p.m. on TNT.